The Freshman 15, but not that one you’ve heard about.

Eating healthy is not easy, but in college, it is even harder. As a college student, you hear about the dreaded freshman 15, which is gaining 15 pounds from unhealthy snacking and drinking lots of soda and energy drinks to get you through your all-nighters. My freshman year, I remember this being a constant conversation topic because college students struggle with finding easy to make, affordable, and healthy snacks. Ramen seemed to be the much easier choice. As an organization, our mission is to provide resources to help college students be healthy physically and spiritually. So I want to change the connotation of the freshman 15 and provide you with 15 of my favorite recipes for college students.

Famous Pairs:

We are better together and so are these delicious food combinations. When you head to the kitchen to find that perfect midnight snack, try these recipes instead of grabbing the chips or cookies:

Yogurt & Fruit

This snack is all about being creative! Find yourself some vanilla or plain yogurt and make it colorful by adding blueberries, strawberries, bananas, or any other of your favorite fruit! This is a great quick breakfast and fits perfectly in your dorm room mini fridge or kitchen! Another option with this pair is dipping your fruit in yogurt and freezing them. It’s a very sweet snack but still healthy!

Apples & Peanut Butter

For this snack, all you need is an apple, peanut butter, and a knife. I usually slice my apple up and then add a scoop of peanut butter to dip in. If you want to get creative, you can also slice the apple into chip like shapes and spread the peanut butter on top. This is a great pair for when you are on the go or when you have the midnight munchies. Here is a great link to make this snack! https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/258086/apple-donuts/

Cheese & Crackers

This duo will never let you down. There’s a lot of options with this pair. You can buy fresh slices of cheese and boxes of crackers, or you can buy the premade crackers and cheese. If you don’t have much time to put something together, this would be a great recipe for you!

Kitchen Meals:

I am very thankful we have a full kitchen in our dorm because it allows me to be creative in the kitchen. Here are some of my favorite meals and a few that are on my list to make.

Rice, Chicken, & Veggies

This is a very inexpensive and easy to make combination. You can purchase rice and veggies for under a dollar and they are both easy to make in the microwave. To add a good source of protein I usually add chicken however fish or steak would be another great substitute. This is a great healthy comfort meal for every student!

Mac & Cheese

Everyone loves mac and cheese! This is a perfect recipe to make if you are missing home, don’t have a lot of time, or want to make a meal to share with your friends!

Here is a simple and cheap recipe: 3-Ingredient One-Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe - Pillsbury.com

Fajitas:

Taco Bell is great, but we all know it is not the most healthy. I really enjoy making fajitas and it is a much healthier option when I make it in my kitchen with fresh ingredients. Here is an affordable and easy recipe to try! https://www.melaniecooks.com/chicken-fajitas/12242/?fref=gc&dti=615156708538701

Microwavable Meals:

Not every college has dorm rooms that include a full kitchen. So if you fall into that category or if you just need a quick meal to make these microwave friendly meals instead of eating ramen for the 17th this week.

Scrambled Eggs

If you’re like me then you wait to get out of bed until the last possible minute, but you don’t want to miss breakfast. This is a great option to start your day on a small time budget! 2 minute scrambled eggs | Home Is Where The Cookies Are

Lasagna

Now typically you think of an oven when you hear lasagna; however, here is a great recipe that you can make in your microwave! Homemade Microwave Lasagna (noblepig.com)

Pizza Quesadilla

We love to order pizza, but they added up both in cost and weight gain. Pizza will never be all healthy, but this alternative still has the same great taste, but a healthier option! Ultimate Pizza Quesadilla - Delicious Made Easy

Eat Dessert First (but not all the time):

I am a big fan of eating dessert first, but when you always eat dessert the pounds can add up quickly. When eating healthy in college you should never fully cut out dessert, but instead, monitor what type of dessert you eat and how much you eat. Don’t forget to sometimes say yes to dessert! Here are some of my favorite desserts that are easy and healthy(ish)!

Chocolate Covered Bananas

This is a sweet alternative to just eating chocolate or just eating bananas. Simply cut up your banana into bite sized pieces, melt chocolate (dark chocolate can be a great healthy alternative), and dip them in! If you want to save this snack for later, freeze them for about 15-20 minutes. Then enjoy!

Cinnamon Apples

This is one of my favorite fall desserts! The best part is you can make it in the microwave! Apple Crisp in a Mug Recipe | Allrecipes

No Bake Cookies

If it has cookies in the name, it must be dessert. This is one of the favorite healthier dessert options in our dining hall. For college students, it's great because no baking is involved! No Bake Cookies I Recipe | Allrecipes

Quick Snacks:

These snacks are perfect anytime of day and when you are on the go. College students really never stop and need lots of energy so try to keep these in your bookbag!

No Bake Energy Bites:

Another snack to make without an oven. This can serve to be a great breakfast snack or throughout the day when you are beginning to feel tired. This is another great opportunity to be creative in the kitchen. No Bake Energy Bites | Gimme Some Oven

Trial Mix

If you like to meal prep or need to meal prep, this is a great snack for you. All you need is a ziplock bag and a variety of ingredients of your choices. Some of my favorites to include are pretzels, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and mini m&ms.

Baked Tortilla Chips

This is a slightly healthier option when you want to reach for the bag of Lays. This snack is great when paired with artichoke dip, salsa, or queso! Easy 10 Minute Baked Tortilla Chips Recipe | Yummly

Eating healthy in college is tough, but I hope this collection of recipes helps make it a little easier. I want to challenge you to try one new recipe this week. Feel free to tag us in your pictures of healthy eating this week on Instagram and Twitter. In the comments below, leave your own healthy recipes you are making in your dorm!

“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” 3 John 1:2 (NLT)